Interactive system and method for digital artifact relocation and activation

ABSTRACT

A system comprising a digital artifact ( 100 ) with a non-predetermined location ( 104 ) is disclosed. The system can further comprise an identifier ( 180 ) and an asset ( 182 ) associated with the digital artifact ( 100 ). In addition, the system can further comprise a first participant client device ( 102 ) associated with the digital artifact ( 100 ), where a second participant client device ( 102 ) subsequently associates with the digital artifact ( 100 ) at a subsequent location ( 104 ). A method comprising assigning an accuracy assignment zone ( 1200 ) to a participant client device ( 102 ) and a digital artifact ( 100 ) is also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and is being filed concurrentlywith a U.S. patent application of even date and common inventorship,which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates in general to interactive gaming systems, and inparticular to mobile gaming systems with a digital artifact that can bereleased, obtained, relocated, and activated according to a physicallocation which is not predetermined and where the physical location isuser-definable.

2. Description of the Related Art

Mobile device location systems are known in the related art, some ofwhich include: U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,561,104, 5,225,842, 7,139,582,7,298,327, 5,280,457, 7,570,960, 7,444,155, 7,403,853, 7,529,236,7,212,157, 6,813,499, 6,084,547, 6,1344,48, 7,486,233, and 5,930,717.However, the related art consistently does not teach or suggest adigital artifact's accuracy zone in proximity with a mobile deviceaccuracy zone, or accuracy zones between or among mobile devices inrelation to one another.

Interactive systems are also known in the related art, some of whichinclude:

U.S. Pat. No. 5,933,100 (Loomis) teaches a GPS navigation system with amap, locations, and a navigation path.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,942,969 (Wicks) assigned to Sony teaches a treasure huntgame with clues sent to a pager.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,104,815 and RE39,644 (Alcorn et al.) teach mobile wagerdata communication with a casino using authentication and encryption.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,200,138 (Ando et al.) teaches a driving game withcharacters moving in a virtual 3D environment and an arrow indicator.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,884,171 (Eck) assigned to Nintendo, Inc., teachesdistribution of image files on general purpose computing devices ofvarying display capabilities in certain moving vehicles and appliances.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,932,698 (Sprogis) teaches mobile device locations in atreasure hunt game.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,435,179 (Ford) teaches a shooting game where mobiledevices communicate directly to each other designated to be in-range orout-of-range, but does not teach non-predetermined locations.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,441,203 (Othmer et al.) teaches a ticker on a mobile GPSdevice.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,460,863 (Steelberg et al.) assigned to Google, Inc.teaches radio frequency (RF) subcarrier band broadcasting and RFtriangulation telemetry tracking (RF-3T) to a remote user gaming devicewith a GPS-tracked location with PIN-based player authentication.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/801,491 (Arner et al.) teaches atwo-way mobile wireless network with GPS data.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/901,709 (Suzuki) teaches a spy gamewith a plurality of GPS gaming devices in a predetermined game programbased on a first positional information and second positionalinformation.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/190,056 (Mages) teaches a pluralityof transmitters to locate wired or wireless devices for casino gamesconnected to a CDMA server and coupled to a GPS base station.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/409,546 (Ellenby et al.) teachestreasure hunts, tours, and location-sensitive “GeoPets” that breed, haveproperties such as intelligence and beauty, and fight enemies.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/455,646 (Barros et al.) teachespredetermined GPS locations of mobile devices in a game.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/788,903 (Gentles et al.) teaches adistributed, loosely coupled network for wager-based gaming using webservices.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/163,329 (Robertson) teacheslocation-aware games, including scavenger hunts, played on a mobiledevice. However, Robertson does not teach non-predetermined locationsset by users during game play.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/317,875 (Loo et al.) teaches avirtual multi-dimensional 3D game with an advertisement displayedrelative to a player's position based on factors such as: distance,orientation, environmental lighting, brightness, and visibility at agiven time.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/303,973 (Willis et al.) teachesselecting advertising content data based on location data in a videogame.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/414,967 (Milic-Frayling et al.)assigned to Microsoft, teaches photo images relating to locations alonga journey, but lacks manipulation of the images or ability to relocatesuch images.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/842,019 (Mullen) teaches amultiplayer, virtual playfield with GPS-based location devices wherecharacters are controlled and object can be picked up and put down by avirtual game character by pressing an action button until the game orgame level ends.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/146,907 (Huston) teaches GPS-basedlocation and messaging with zoom, pan, and tilt.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/331,320 (Saunders et al.) teachesdevices with GPS locations in a casino network.

WO2004061485 (Morse) teaches GPS locations for a golf course, a golfplayer, and a golf ball with predetermined golf course information witha mobile unit interfacing with a GPS.

Spore teaches a non-human creature creation game, but does not teachleaving genetic material in a geopositional location.

Software development kits (SDKs) are known in the related art, some ofwhich include: Apple's iphone SDK, Google Android, Microsoft Windows CE,Microsoft Windows Mobile, Palm OS.

However, the related art does not teach or fairly suggest a digitalartifact in a non-predetermined or user-determined location capable ofbeing obtained, altered, or released in another location for interactionby others. Furthermore, such systems in the related art do not teach orfairly suggest non-predetermined paths or aggregation of multipledigital artifacts in the non-predetermined or user-determined location.Moreover, the related art does not teach or fairly suggest locating adigital artifacts in proximity with a mobile device, or proximity viaaccuracy zones around the digital artifact and the mobile device.

It can be seen, then, that there is a need in the art for an interactivesystem and method that allows user-defined locations that are notpredetermined. It can also be seen that there is a need to facilitatemulti-user interaction when the proximity of user interaction is unknownas to location and time. Moreover, it can be seen that there is a needfor flexible user-created paths. Furthermore, it can be seen that thereis a need to provide proximity sensing capabilities to enhanceinteractivity amongst users and objects. Finally, it can be seen thatthere is a need to address any combination of these problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize otherlimitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding thepresent specification, the present invention discloses a method forimparting, locating, obtaining and altering a digital artifact in anon-predetermined or user-determined location. Further, the presentinvention discloses a system comprising a digital artifact at anon-predetermined or user-determined location where a participant clientcan obtain the digital artifact and release the digital artifact at asecond non-predetermined location. The digital artifact can be obtainedby another participant client.

The description of the preferred embodiments is to be understood asnon-limiting examples of the present invention. The true scope of theinvention is to be understood by the claims and not limited by thepreferred embodiments.

An aspect of the invention is to allow users to place, locate, obtain,release, or alter a digital artifact by using a mobile device. In mostpreferred embodiments, the information can be recorded on a server.Further, the digital artifact can be relocated and obtained subsequentlyby other users.

In a possible embodiment, a creature evolution game incorporates thedigital artifact. For example, a creature can be created and the digitalartifact can be a representation of the creature's DNA. A secondcreature can be created and a third creature can be derived by mixingthe DNA of the two creatures where the DNA digital artifact was left ina location and has been made available for DNA interaction.

In another possible embodiment, the digital artifact is a trading card.

In yet another possible embodiment, the digital artifact is a token in atreasure hunt. A non-predetermined path can be established once thefirst location is set, which can be randomly established. However, bymaking the first location non-predetermined, this provides flexibilityin game play.

An aspect of the invention is to provide a physical location which canbe used to place, locate, obtain, release, or alter the digitalartifact. Physical locations can be anywhere that a GPS or otherlocation system can track; preferably a retail store or other physicallocation.

An aspect of the invention is to provide proximity location capabilitiesbetween a digital artifact having an accuracy assignment with aparticipant client device, such as a computing device having its ownaccuracy assignment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers representcorresponding parts throughout:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a possible embodiment of the present inventioninvolving a trading card game;

FIG. 3 illustrates a possible embodiment of the present inventioninvolving an evolution game;

FIG. 4 illustrates a possible embodiment of the present inventioninvolving a scavenger hunt;

FIG. 4B illustrates a possible embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a method diagram of a preferred embodiment thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a possible embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a possible embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a possible embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a possible embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates an interaction scheme of a possible embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a proximity aspect of a possible embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a proximity aspect of a possible embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates a proximity aspect of a possible embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates a proximity aspect of a possible embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates a proximity aspect of a possible embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 15B illustrates a proximity aspect of a possible embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 15C illustrates a proximity aspect of a possible embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 16 illustrates a proximity aspect of a possible embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 17 illustrates a proximity aspect of a possible embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates a possible embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 illustrates a possible embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 illustrates a possible embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 21 illustrates a method diagram of another preferred embodiment thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description of the preferred embodiments, reference ismade to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in whichis shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which theinvention may be practiced. It is to be understood that otherembodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

References throughout the specification to “a possible embodiment,” “apreferred embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “an embodiment,” and likereference to “embodiment” are non-limiting examples to aid inunderstanding an element, function, way, result, means, structure,aspect, and/or benefit of the present invention. An “embodiment”provides that there is one or more embodiments that can involve thegiven element or aspect of the invention. Thus, multiple instances of“an embodiment” and like reference do not necessarily refer to the sameembodiment.

It will be understood that “location” can refer to any physical orvirtual location, whether or not the location is specified by a latitudeand longitude point, altitude, tilt, direction, region, user-defineddesignation, proximity to a coordinate or landmark, or otherwise. Itwill be understood that “scavenger hunt” can also include a treasurehunt, search for an object or person, or contest. It will be understoodthat “area” can mean a region, proximate location, bounded area,two-dimensional or three-dimensional space, or series of coordinatesdefining a space. It will be understood that “physical location” refersto real-world locations and not to virtual locations. It will beunderstood that “associate” can refer to any relationship between two ormore things, whether implemented by relational or non-relationaldatabase, object database, any markup language, database managementsystem, spider, search engine, file system, query-capable system, orotherwise, or any combination or equivalent thereof. In an embodiment,associating can be initiated by clicking, pressing a button, tapping atouch-sensitive screen, or otherwise. It will be understood that “set”can mean “associate.” It will be understood that “drop” refers toreleasing 506 of digital artifact 100. It will be understood that“numeric value” can mean any number or part thereof, whether involvingcurrency, cost, price, winnings, points, or otherwise. It will beunderstood that all elements and combinations of elements describedherein also include any equivalents thereof, now known orfuture-developed, and thus such description should not be consideredlimiting as any embodiments of the present invention. It will beunderstood that “zone” and “area” can refer to a two- orthree-dimensional space (x, y, z), without limitation to atwo-dimensional (x, y) plane. It will be understood that allmeasurements described herein can be metric or non-metric units.

SPECIFICS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. Object 50 is shown in FIG. 1 with digital artifact100, game 101, participant client device 102, non-predetermined location104, predetermined location 105, out of bounds area 130, boundary 132,client application 142, computing device 146, proximity detector 150,proximity reach 152, proximity location 156, set of locations 174,mobile device 176, identifier 180, and asset 182.

Object 50 can be in game 101. Object 50 can be digital artifact 100.Object 50 can be participant client device 102. In an embodiment, object50 can be digital artifact 100 and a second object 50 can be digitalartifact 100. In an embodiment, object 50 can be digital artifact 100and a second object 50 can be participant client device 102. In mostpreferred embodiments, objects 50 can be many digital artifacts 100.Object 50 can have a one-to-one or one-to-many correspondence withdigital artifacts 100 and participant client devices 102. Object 50 canbe an instantiated in memory on server 140. Object 50 can be any item ingame 101. In most preferred embodiments, object 50 can have a location.

Digital artifact 100 can be associated with an at least onenon-predetermined location 104. In most preferred embodiments, digitalartifact 100 can have a GPS location with longitude and latitude.Digital artifact can be placed 508 at non-predetermined location 104 bya first participant client device 102 and obtained by a secondparticipant client device 102. Digital artifact 100 can have identifier180 and asset 182 associated therewith. Digital artifact 100 can be anobject having a location. Digital artifact 100 can have, withoutlimitation, any of the following data 144: message, text, comment,video, audio, image, binary data, xml, blob, clob, application data,pdf, word document, excel document, file, social networking connection,URL, or any combination or equivalent thereof. In a possible embodiment,digital artifact 100 can be released anywhere in the world 101. In manypreferred embodiments, locations where digital artifact 100 can bereleased is limited. In a possible embodiment, specific locations can bedynamically set by participant client device 102. In a typical scavengerhunt, there is a predetermined path which goes from point A to point Bto point C. In a possible embodiment, a subset of possible points thatare not predetermined can be used. Those points can correspond to set ofphysical locations. Locations can be set by latitude and longitude.Digital artifact 100 can be in an evolution game, such as geneticmaterial 304. Digital artifact 100 can be any type of object representedin the real world. In some preferred embodiments, digital artifact 100can be a trading card. Digital artifact 100 can be capable of beingaccessed on computing device 146; in most preferred embodiments,computing device 146 can have a GPS receiver or other means for derivinga location such as triangulation or IP address. In a preferredembodiment, based on direction 170 and non-predetermined location 104 ofparticipant client device 102, client application 142 via locator 414can indicate where participant client device 102 needs to go to locatedigital artifact 100. In a possible embodiment, digital artifact 100 canbe activated or deactivated. Activation can set the digital artifact aswithin game 101 or in round 500. Deactivation can set the digitalartifact as being inappropriate or in some other way not acceptable bythe system administrator. One of ordinary skill in the pertinent artwould understand how to incorporate digital artifact 100 into thepresent invention based on the teachings of this specification. Invarious embodiments, digital artifact 100 can be participant clientdevice 102, card 200 (FIG. 2), creature 302 (FIG. 3), genetic material304, token 400 (FIG. 4), or primary token 400A. In some preferredembodiments, digital artifact 100 can be viewed from non-predeterminedlocation 104 of participant client device 102 having tilt 172.

Game 101 can run on server 140. Game 101 can have objects therein, suchas digital artifact 100, participant client device 102, or any elementdescribed in this specification. In most preferred embodiments, game 101can run on server 140 and client application 142, and be accessed viaparticipant client device 102. There can be multiple participant clientdevices 102. There can be “n” number of participant client devices 102at a given time (for example, FIGS. 15B and 15 C).

Participant client device 102 can be an object in game 101. Participantclient device 102 can facilitate user interaction in game 101.Participant client device 102 can operate on computing device 146 ormobile device 176. In most preferred embodiments, participant clientdevice 102 can obtain 504, release 506, locate 510, and/or alter 512digital artifact 100. In some embodiments with creature 302, participantclient device 102 can also absorb, spawn, mate, aggregate geneticmaterial 304, genetically design, or otherwise interact with digitalartifact 100. In an embodiment, participant client device 102 can befirst participant client device 102 and picked up by second participantclient 102. In a possible embodiment, participant client device 102 canbe restricted from interacting with digital artifact 100. In a possibleembodiment, participant client device 102 can associate one or moreother participant client devices 102 in a user profile. In mostpreferred embodiments, participant client device 102 can have proximityreach 152 where digital artifact 100 can be within proximity reach 152.

Non-predetermined location 104 can be any location in the world.Non-predetermined location 104 can have a latitude and longitude.Non-predetermined location 104 can be associated with digital artifact100. Non-predetermined location 104 can be user-defined location 1114(FIG. 12). In an embodiment, participant client device 102 can definethe non-predetermined location 104 by GPS location. A benefit ofnon-predetermined location 104 is in providing flexible game play. Forexample, In an embodiment, game 101 can thus commence, develop, and/orend with any non-predetermined location 104. Further, In an embodiment,digital artifact 100 can be obtained and released in anynon-predetermined location 104. Thus, a further benefit ofnon-predetermined location 104 is to provide a degree ofunpredictability which can generate higher interest levels and morerepeat participation.

Predetermined location 105 can have characteristics of non-predeterminedlocation 104 but instead, In an embodiment, predetermined location 105can be pre-populated in server 140. Predetermined location 105 can be aspecific set of locations within set of locations 174. Havingpredetermined locations 105 does not preclude having non-predeterminedlocations 104, and vice-versa.

Out of bounds area 130 can be defined by points. Although participantclient device 102 can go into out of bounds area 130, participant clientdevice 102 can be restricted from releasing digital artifact 100 in outof bounds area 130. A benefit of out of bounds area 130 is to reducefrustration with game 101. In most preferred embodiments, out of boundsarea 130 limits the range of non-predetermined locations 104. In anembodiment, out of bounds area 130 and set of locations 174 can bothlimit the range of non-predetermined locations. Thus, a benefit can beto enhance user experience. Further, in some preferred embodiments, somepredetermined locations 105

Boundary 132 can be coordinates that define a space. In a possibleembodiment, points can correspond with a commercial location. In apossible embodiment, digital artifact 100 can only be released at an “n”number of non-predetermined locations 104, and participant client device102 can be limited to only drop at non-predetermined locations 104 inset of locations 174, or within a preset radius 154 of any one of thoselocations.

Server 140 can be accessible via the Internet or using any datacommunications protocol. A non-limiting illustration is shown in FIG. 9.Server 140 can calculate point information, GPS information, radius,radar, current locations of participant client devices 102, and anyaspects of game 101 other than non-predetermined locations 104 oruser-defined locations 1114. User-defined location 1114 can be set by anadministrator on server 140 in most preferred embodiments, rather thanby a non-administrator. Server 140 can be used to store thenon-predetermined locations 104 or user-defined locations, anyassociation or interactions thereof. Server 140 can provide informationat an accessible website, display the information on mobile device 176,or relay to participant client devices 102 using push or pulltechnology.

Request 141 can occur between server 140 and client 142. Request 141 canhave data 144. Request 141 can be made, by way of non-limitingillustration, via TCP, IP, IPv6, http, https, ftp, socks, over any port,point-to-point tunneling, virtual private network, peer-to-peer, or anyproprietary protocol. Server 140 can be a computer running an operatingsystem, whether a cluster, cloud, server farm, node in a network, ordistributed network. Server 140 can initiate or receive web servicecalls from client application 142.

Client application 142 can have a user interface to create digitalartifact 100. Client application 142 can be any computing device 146.Some non-limiting illustrations are shown in FIGS. 1, 9, and 10. In anembodiment, it is unnecessary to use client application 142 to allowdata 144 and information from other sources to be used. This can provideflexibility by allowing other forms of data and information from sourcesexternal to game 101, thus enriching user experience. In a possibleembodiment, creature 302 can be created in client application 142.Further, when genetic material 304 is released, action information canthen be sent to server 140 via a web service call. Client application142 can provide tools, data 144, or information in data 144 to helplocate something. Some non-limiting examples can be clues, arrows,textual clues, highlighted path, map, text-based clues or riddles,images, video, audio or any other objects that correspond to the realworld. In most preferred embodiments, client application 142 determinesphysical location. In a preferred embodiment, client application 142 canbe on mobile device 176 having a GPS receiver. Client application 142can communicate with server 140. Client application 142 can makes webservice calls to server 140. Client application 142 can thereby updatecurrent location with the server 140. In most preferred embodiments,computing device 146 can be mobile device 176. In some embodiments whereGPS receiver is not present, client application 142 can get locationinformation from mobile device 176 by cell phone tower triangulation, orother non-GPS location information.

Computing device 146 can be any device with an operating system.Computing device 146 can be mobile device 176. In most preferredembodiments, computing device 146 benefits users by allowing them toparticipate in game 101. In an embodiment, computing device 146 can beused by a remote administrator, power user, or super user that canmonitor whatever a user is doing via participant client device 102.

Proximity detector 150 can have proximity reach 152. In a preferredembodiment, proximity detector 150 can be a radar that displays objectsand can track objects in relative proximity to a given proximitylocation 156 or non-predetermined location 104. In a preferredembodiment, proximity detector 150 can alert participant client device102 in conjunction with locator 414 (FIG. 4B). In a preferredembodiment, proximity detector 150 can locate objects and displayobjects on computing device 146. Proximity detector 150 can be a userinterface tool in many preferred embodiments. In an embodiment,proximity detector can coincide with accuracy assignment 1100 ofparticipant client device 102.

Proximity reach 152 can be determined by radius 154. In an embodiment,proximity reach 152 can be roughly around digital imprint 100,participant client device 102, non-predetermined location 104,predetermined location 105, proximity location 156, card 200, area 300,creature 302, genetic material 304, token 400. In a preferredembodiment, proximity reach can be around participant client device 102.Proximity reach 152 can have any measurement in metric or non-metricunits. In some preferred embodiments, proximity reach 152 can bemeasured by latitude-longitude increments, latitude-longitude-altitudeincrements, latitude-longitude-direction increments,latitude-longitude-altitude-direction increments, or any combinationthereof. For example, proximity reach 152 can be five feet. A benefit ofproximity reach 152 is to enhance a level of imprecision so that whentrying to obtain 504 digital artifact 100, participant client device 102need not precisely match exactly the coordinates of digital artifact100. In an embodiment, there can be a limitation of proximity reach 152by direction 170; thus, proximity reach 152 may require participantclient device 102 to face a certain direction. A benefit of proximityreach 152, or additionally, requiring direction 170 can be to ensurethat a person sees certain things, places, or persons near a physicallocation (by way of non-limiting example, advertisements) around thetime of interacting with digital artifact 100. However, direction 170 isnot a prerequisite to realizing this benefit. In most preferredembodiments, proximity reach can be lesser in scope than proximitydetector 150.

Radius 154 (r) can be a numeric value. Radius 154 can affect proximityreach 152. In embodiments with accuracy assignment 1100, or zones 1104,1106, or 1200, radius 154 can be used to calculate the given coverage,which can help determine whether there is juxtaposition of proximityzones 1300 (FIGS. 11-18). Radius 154 can be used to calculate any zoneor area, although 150, 152, 1100, 1104, 1106, and 1200 (FIG. 12). Radius154 can have a round or non-round shape. Some non-limiting examples caninclude a bounding box, ellipse, bounded area, triangle, star, hexagon,pentagon, octagon, n-sided shape, geometric bounding area, irregularshape, or any form having two or more points, circle, sphere, round ornon-round (FIG. 15C). In an embodiment, radius 154 or accuracyassignment 1100 can be calculated by numeric values. Diameter can betwice radius 154. In circular embodiments, radius can be substantiallyequal to the circumference divided by 2πr. Area can be calculated byA=πr². The space for a sphere can be calculated by

$S = {\frac{4}{3}\pi \; {r^{3}.}}$

Proximity location 156 can be determined by latitude 158 and longitude160. Proximity location 156 can be based on the location of digitalartifact 100 or participant client device 102 at an unknown time andplace. Proximity location 156 can be non-predetermined.

Latitude 158 and longitude 160 can be non-predetermined. In possibleembodiments, latitude 158 and longitude 160 can be ascertainable by GPScoordinates at a given time, tower triangulation, or program interfaces,regardless of the type of operating system.

First location 162 and second location 164 can be predetermined ornon-predetermined locations. Participant client device 102 can obtain504 digital artifact 100 at first location 162 at an unknown time.Participant client device 102 can later release digital artifact 100 atsecond location 164. Participant client device 102 can be first user 166that originally interacted with or provided digital artifact 100. Also,participant client device 102 can be second user 168 that laterinteracts with digital artifact 100.

Direction 170 can be established by mobile device 176 by pointing it ina given direction or by ascertaining its movement in time from a firstpoint to a second point. A benefit of direction 170 can be to providemovement information in relation to objects in game 101, whether digitalartifact 100 or other objects.

Tilt 172 can provide more detailed orientation in relation to otheraspects of game 101. Tilt 172 can be established by a fluxgate compass.In an embodiment, tilt 172 can have an accelerometer or informationthereof. Tilt 172 can provide horizontal, vertical, or angle orientationinformation. In a possible embodiment, together with direction 170, tilt172 can allow game 101 to provide specific views customized to a givendirection 170 and tilt 172 of participant client device 102. Server 140or client 142 can calculate perspective information and communicatebetween them.

Set of locations 174 can be a list of locations. Set of locations 174can have first location 162. In some preferred embodiments, firstlocation 162 can be within set of locations 174 setting forth a list oflocations, retail or non-retail, commercial or non-commercial, whilesecond location 164 can be the same set of locations 174 or a differentlist of locations. By way of non-limiting illustration, first location162 can be limited to select fast-food restaurant locations in a givenarea where digital artifact 100 can be picked up or released. A benefitof set of locations 174 can be to minimize risk of releasing digitalartifact 100 in a location that is rarely visited or is not likely to bevisited by other participants (by way of non-limiting illustration, alocation within a large body of water). This limits possible releaselocations, although the actual location can still be non-predeterminedsince it can be unknown exactly where within set of locations 174digital artifact 100 will be released. By preventing such frustration,the experience is thereby enhanced. Set of locations 174 can limit thelatitude and longitude where participant client device 102 can dropdigital artifact 100. In an embodiment, set of locations 174 can havepredetermined location 105. In an embodiment, set of locations 174 canhave non-predetermined location 104. First location 162 and secondlocation 164 can be predetermined locations 104 or non-predeterminedlocations 104; in some preferred embodiments, locations within set oflocations 174 can have predetermined locations 105 and non-predeterminedlocations 104. Set of locations 174 can have a subset of locations. Inembodiments where first location 162 is not predetermined, set oflocations 174 can also be non-predetermined in whole or in part. Set oflocations 174 can have any number and combination of predetermined ornon-predetermined locations. By having some predetermined locations andnon-predetermined locations, set of locations 174 can provide moreinteresting interaction while balancing the need for directed commercialactivity. Set of locations 174 can have multiple digital artifacts 100,multiple genetic material 304, or multiple tokens 400. Set of locations174 can be defined by participant client device 102 or by game 101. Setof locations 174 can have a non-predetermined path 410.

Mobile device 176 can be any portable device with an operating system.In some preferred embodiments, mobile device 176 can have a fluxgatecompass, accelerometer, GPS receiver, operating system, wireless networkadapter, and user interface.

User profile 178 can be any information associated with participantclient device 102, first participant client device 102, secondparticipant client device 102, or any particular user. User profile 178can be stored on server 140 or computing device 146. Users can besocially networked, including but not limited to participant clientdevices 102. The social networking can occur at any time. In somepreferred embodiments, associations between users can occur when inproximity reach 152. User profile 178 can display information aboutparticipant client device 102, including but not limited to currentlocation, path, clues about token 400, or other information.

Identifier 180 can be any designation, whether number, value, key,binary data, string, blob, clob, number, name, or otherwise, unique ornon-unique. In most preferred embodiments, identifier 180 is a uniquenumber associated with digital artifact 100. Identifier 180 can helpdistinguish digital imprint 100. In an embodiment, identifier 180 canuse non-predetermined location 104, predetermined location 105, and atimestamp. Identifier 180 can be stored on server 140. Identifier 180can also be stored on client application 142.

Asset 182 can be any object, digital or non-digital, associated withdigital artifact 100. In many preferred embodiments, asset 182 can be aprize, whether monetary amount, prize, debt, award, coupon, voucher,credit, or other incentive. In an embodiment, asset 182 can be anyelement disclosed in this specification. In most preferred embodiments,digital artifact is associated with asset 182. Asset 182 can have anasset identifier. Asset 182 can be associated with more than one digitalartifact 100, and vice versa, Asset 182 can be stored on server 140.Asset 182 can also be stored on client application 142.

FIG. 2 illustrates a possible embodiment of the present inventioninvolving a trading card game. Card 200 is shown in FIG. 2 with limitednumber of drops 202, digital artifact 100, participant client device102, non-predetermined location 104, predetermined location 105,boundary 130, and set of locations 174.

Card 200 can be digital artifact 100. Card 200 can have characteristicsof a trading card. Card 200 can have any data 144, textual data, displayinformation, formatting information, metadata, URLs, images, audio,video, html, xml, or other information, and in any combination. In apossible embodiments where digital artifact 100 is a card, participantclient device 102 can trade card 200, buy or sell card 200, create card200, alter 152 card 200, delete card 200, activate card 200, addcomments to card 200, release 506 card 200, obtain 504 otherparticipants' cards, or provide feedback.

Limited number of drops 202 can be a value limiting the number of timesdigital artifact 100 can be released. In an embodiment, participantclient device 102 can be limited to releasing digital artifact 100limited number of drops 202. By way of non-limiting illustration, game101 can start with ten drops; thus, digital artifact 100 can only bereleased 504 in ten locations 104 or 105. In a possible embodiment, oncelimited number of releases 202 is triggered, fee 416 can be required topurchase more releases 504 or to recall a released digital artifact 100,here being card 200, by removing it from the location 104 or 105 whereit was released 504. In a preferred embodiment, other participant clientdevices 102 can obtain 504 digital artifact 100 from any of the releaselocations an unlimited number of times. In a preferred embodiment, therecan be a limit as to the number of cards 200 that can be obtained 504.In addition, once limited number of drops 202 is triggered, participantclient device 102 can release another digital artifact 100, such as card200, which was collected at an earlier non-predetermined location 104.This can add to the number of locations that card 200 can be obtained504 without effecting the released 506 cards 200 available to theoriginal card creator. This can remove card 200 from a participant'scollection and thus free up a slot for them to collect another card 200.In an embodiment, limited number of drops 202 can be stored on server140 or with client application 142, or both.

A method can comprise obtaining card 200, releasing card 200 in anon-predetermined location 104, and obtaining card 200 in thenon-predetermined location. A method can comprise trading card 200 in anon-predetermined location where first participant 102 is in proximitywith second participant 102.

FIG. 3 illustrates a possible embodiment of the present inventioninvolving an evolution game. Area 300 is shown in FIG. 3 with creature302, mingling 303, genetic material 304, attribute 306, digital artifact100, game 101, participant client device 102, non-predetermined location104, predetermined location 105, and set of locations 174.

Area 300 can have a digital representation of a fictional geneticmaterial 304. In an embodiment, for example in evolution gameembodiments, the present invention can provide for mingling 303 ofdigital artifacts in area 300. Participant client device 102 can go toarea 300 by longitude and latitude and leave a digital artifact 100,token 400 or 400A. Area 300 need not be a predefined location. Area 300can be defined as a space by a group of points having latitude andlongitude. In an embodiment, area 300 can change over time.

Creature 302 can be created in game 101. In most preferred embodiments,participant client device 102 can control appearance of creature 302.Creature 302 can have one or more attributes 306. Creature 302 can beassociated with genetic material 304. Each creature 302 in game 101 canhave genetic material 304 that can be left in a location. In somepreferred embodiments, creature 302 can have one or more imagesdepicting an organic or non-organic being at any given stage ofmaturity, at or following conception. In most preferred embodiments,creature 302 can have a new appearance after genetic material 304 offirst creature 302 is mingled 303 with second genetic material 304.

Mingling 303 can be automatically provided by game 101 of geneticmaterial 304. In some preferred embodiments, mingling 303 can occur atarea 300, whether by entering, passing through, or being proximate toarea 300. Digital artifact 100 can be associated with creature 302.Further, digital artifact 100 can be genetic material 304 of firstcreature 302. Genetic material 304 can facilitate interaction withsecond creature 302 having second genetic material 304. In mostpreferred embodiments where game 101 is an evolution game, participantclient device 102 can interact with genetic material 304. For example,participant client device 102 may obtain 504 genetic material 304 or bein proximity with genetic material 304 via juxtaposition of proximityzones 1300, thereby altering 512 their creature 302 having third geneticmaterial 304. In a possible embodiment, images, graphics and animationscorresponding to each successive creature can be selectively or randomlygenerated, or allow a user to control in part the use and design ofthird creature 302. In some preferred embodiments, to speed up gameplay, third creature 302 with attributes 306 and respective valuesthereof can be automatically generated by an administrator-selected,predetermined or non-predetermined, or created at random.

Genetic material 304 can be digital artifact 100. Participant clientdevice 102 can leave genetic material 304 in area 300. In a possibleembodiment, genetic material 304 can be an image representation of DNAwhich can be subject to mingling 303 at area 300 or in proximity withanother creature 302. An at least one attribute 306 can be an at leastone genetic material 304. In a preferred embodiment, participant clientdevice 102 can have proximity reach 152 where genetic material 304 canbe released or obtained.

Attribute 306 can be associated with creature 302. In a possibleembodiment, unique parameters can be established representing attributes306 of creature 302. In a possible embodiment, each can have range ofvalues from 0-255 (preferably hex). In a possible embodiment, somenon-limiting examples of attribute 306 can include: body size, bodyaspect shape, secondary body aspect shape, primary color, secondarycolor, number of eyes, shape of eyes, color of eyes, size of eyes,location of eyes, number of ears, shape of ears, size of ears, locationof ears, amount of hair, length of hair, color of hair, style of hair,location of hair, number of limbs, location of limbs, length of limbs,number of limbs, shape of limbs, number of antennae, length of antennae,shape of antennae, location of antennae, shape of mouth, size of mouth,number of mouths, location of mouths, number of teeth, shape of teeth,location of teeth, shape of nose, size of nose, color of nose, number ofnoses, location of noses. Thus, if there are forty possible attributes306, the possible combinations are finite and all variations can beprebuilt or dynamically built into a manageable set with correspondinggraphics, video, audio, text, attribute augmentation, behavioralcharacteristics, and animation. If gradations are calculated simply bythe number of attributes to the power of the number of attribute values,in this particular example, 40²⁵⁶, then it is possible to ascertain theexact number of possibilities. In a preferred embodiment, creature 302can be mingled 303 with genetic material 304 of another creature 302.Time can be associated with attribute 306. In a preferred embodiment, anat least one attribute 306 can be genetic material 304 or arepresentation thereof.

FIG. 4 illustrates a possible embodiment of the present inventioninvolving a scavenger hunt. Token 400 is shown in FIG. 4 with primarytoken 400A, winnings 406, value 408, non-predetermined path 410, timelimit 412, locator 414, fee 416, and game 101.

Game 101, in a possible embodiment, can be a scavenger hunt. In apossible embodiment, commercial establishments can be involved. Further,in a possible embodiment, a release site location can only be one of aretail company's physical locations within set of locations 174 and thusdigital artifact 100 can be limited so that it cannot be releasedanywhere on earth.

Token 400 can be displayed on computing device 146 or mobile device 176.Token 400 can be digital artifact 100. In an embodiment, digitalartifact 100 can have token 400. In a possible embodiment, token 400 canrepresent a prize. In a possible embodiment, game 101 can be a scavengerhunt and participant client device 102 can obtain token 400. Token 400can give participant client device 102 the right to obtain another token400 in another scavenger location 104 or 105. In a possible embodiment,token 400 can be at a local coffee retailer. A user can then be requiredgo to a retailer where token 400 can be located. Participant clientdevice 102 can go to the location and obtain token 400 when locations ofparticipant client device 102 and token 400 roughly match. Participantclient device 102 can have proximity reach 152 where token 400 can bewithin reach. Participant client device 102 can get the prize and thencan drop token 400 at another location. In a possible embodiment, token400 starts at the intersection of 5^(th) and Main. The first tenparticipant client devices 102 that go to 5^(th) and Main can pick uptoken 400. Further, those ten participant client devices 102 can dropthe token 400 in ten new locations, a new location for each of them.After ten drop or after time elapse (whichever comes first), after atime elapse to drop a particular instance of token 400, a token 400 canbe activated. That activated token 400 can be designated the primarytoken 400A. To facilitate user interaction, communications betweenparticipant client devices 102 can be initiated and received. In somepreferred embodiments, participant client devices 102 can tell otherparticipant client devices 102 where to pick up token 400.

Primary token 400A can be activated in game 101, and can represent themain prize. Primary token 400A can be selected from any of tokens 400.By way of non-limiting illustration, there can be a group of participantclients where ten participant client devices 102 can obtain token 400where game 101 allows more than one participant client device 102 topick up token 400. Then, the participating participant client devices102 can release token 400 in ten new locations. Further, the other ninetokens 400 which were not changed to primary token 400A can have minorprizes. In a possible embodiment, primary token 400A can be randomly orselectively activated by the system from an earlier picked up token 400.Having primary token 400A can help maintain fair play by reducing thechance that participant client devices 102 monopolize token 400 or token400A to keep the winnings. To reduce the chances of cheating, wherethere are multiple releases of token 400, no participant client knowsthe next location of the next primary token 400A. Similarly, afterparticipant client devices 102 release their respective tokens 400 invarious locations, those which are not the primary token can bedeactivated or a subset of tokens can be activated as one or moresecondary prizes. For example, the next primary token 400A can berandomly selected as the one released at Santa Monica Blvd and Wilshire.Primary token 400A can then be obtained and released, and subsequent orsimultaneous activation of at least one primary token 400A can berandomly selected after it has been released, for example, at Ocean ParkBlvd. and Lincoln Blvd. in the city of Santa Monica. This example isnon-limiting.

Winnings 406 can be an amount of money, one or more prizes, information,or any combination thereof. Winnings 406, as the pot grows, canaccumulate in multiple or successive rounds 500.

Value 408 can be associated with token 400 or digital artifact 100. In apreferred embodiment, value 408 can be a money value in any currency orrepresentative of a physical or virtual prize such as merchandise,credits to purchase on a web site (e.g., iTunes gift card), or pointsawarded. In a possible embodiment, value 408 can be binary, or anycomplex or primitive data type capable of mathematical calculation,whether numeric, decimal, float, double, long, int, or money value inany currency. In a possible embodiment, each time token 400 can bereleased, a new round 500 can begin. If participant client device 102wishes to participate in the new round 500, a fee 416 can be charged toparticipant client device 102. An accumulation of winnings 406 can becollected from all or a portion of fee 416 or charged separately toparticipant client device 102. For example, an additional ninety-ninecents can be accumulated in winnings 406 until after a number of roundsthere can be an accumulated amount in treasure. Further, the digitalartifact 100 can be released somewhere else, a second non-predeterminedlocation 104 which can be associated with another instance of new round500, which can iterate or multiply.

Non-predetermined path 410 can be a sequence of locations.Non-predetermined path 410 can be user-defined or generated by thesystem, selectively or randomly. Unlike treasure hunts in the relatedart, this allows flexibility and customization to the localizedgeographies of a given physical environment. Thus, in a possibleembodiment, game 101 can adapt to a local neighborhood and shoppingcenter.

Time limit 412 can provide a limit for releasing token 400. In anembodiment, time limit 412 can limit the length of time for participant102 to release token 400, the length of round 500 or the length of timefor game 101 as an overall time limit 412.

Locator 414 (shown in FIG. 4B) can provide assistance to locate token400. Locator 414 can be one or more tools with user interfaces incomputing device 146. Locator 414 can display proximity detector 150.Locator 414 can also display proximity reach 152. Locator 414 can be aradar. Message 506 can be provided to participant client device 102.Message 506 can be any form of expression, whether riddle, clue, image,audio, video, text or non-text or any combination thereof. Message canbenefit participant client device 102 to help figure out the location oftoken 400. In a preferred embodiment, token 400 can be visible only whenparticipant client device 102 is within physical proximity reach 152 oftoken 400. In a preferred embodiment, digital artifact 100 can be set ina random location. Client application 142 can provide a locator 414 as amap with proximity reach 200 or as a periodic radar ping.

Fee 416 can be any amount charged to participant client device 102. Fee416 can be associated with an account of participant client device 102.Reduced fee 416 can be associated with token 400 or 400A.

In a possible embodiment, set of locations 174 can restrict game 101 byhaving a user-defined scavenger hunt. Scavenger hunt game 101 can have auser-defined starting point, first location 162. A clue can be provided,such as directional information, riddles, video, images, words, symbols,letters, directions, arrows, pointers, hand symbols, cursors, blinkingindicators, coordinates, proximate location, area, or other indicators,direct or indirect, to locate the token 400.

In a possible embodiment, the first person can pick up the token 400.Further, participant client devices 102 can obtain token 400 until amaximum number B. After the first B participant client devices 102obtain token 400, participant client device 102 can place token 400 in anew location, and the cycle can repeat.

In a possible embodiment, game 101 can randomly select one or more ofthe B tokens 400 that have been placed by participant client devices 102to begin the next round 500. Time limit 412 can be specified tofacilitate game play and allowing for the game to progress. For example,when first participant client device 102 picks up token 400, there canbe a maximum time allowed C to place the token 400 at a new location. Ifthe maximum time allowed C is exceeded then the game 101 could randomlyplace the token 400 at a new location, or other users could be allowedto place the token. A benefit of this approach is to ensure that thegame play is not hindered or delayed, and to prevent a participant fromstopping the round or game.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method diagram of a preferred embodiment thepresent invention. Round 500 is shown in FIG. 5 with waiting period 502,obtaining 504, releasing 506, placing 508, locating 510, and altering512.

Round 500 can begin an instance of game 101. Game 101 can have one ormore rounds 500. In a possible embodiment, game 101 can be played oncomputing device 146. In most preferred embodiments, game 101 can havemobile device 176 which communicates with server 140 via web servicecalls. In a preferred embodiment, game 101 can be operable twenty-fourhours per day, seven days per week. Game 101 can be geographicallyuniversal in scope, e.g., worldwide, or limited to less than the world.FIG. 8 shows a possible embodiment where game can be worldwide andboundaries 130 can limit various locations while still leavingsignificant possible locations for non-predetermined locations 104.While game 101 operates, multiple participant client devices 102 canplay in round 500. Round 500 can first begin when worldwide game beginsoperation. When the token 400 is picked up by one or more participants,another round 500 can begin. Multiple rounds 500 can be runningsimultaneously, for example, in UK and in the United States. Round 500can have a time limit. In a possible embodiment, time limit 412 for aninstance of round 500 can be a preset amount of time. An administratorcan set overall time limit 412. In a preferred embodiment, if no onewins, the prize can roll over to the next round 500 so that the prizeaccumulates. Where the prize is money, the amount can accumulate inlarger amounts until a winner obtains the token 400. In a possibleembodiment, five instances of game 101 can be concurrently running withan ever-growing pot of winnings. In another possible embodiment, game101 can have prizes. Game 101 is not limited to the embodimentsdescribed herein and can have many variations. Game 101 can have a firstnon-predetermined location and a second non-predetermined locationhaving a second unknown longitude and a second unknown latitude. Game101 can allow participant client device 102 to leave digital artifact100 with digital information that other participant client devices 102can interact with. In an embodiment, round 500 can be started orconcluded upon obtaining digital artifact 100.

Waiting period 502 can occur before round 500. In a possible embodiment,waiting period 502 between successive rounds 500, for example, 24 hours.With waiting period 502, time can be provided between finding token 400and when token 400 is placed in second non-predetermined location 104.If no one finds token 400 and no one moves token 400, then overall timelimit 412 can expire; at such expiration, the system can randomly selecta new location for token 400 and either continue or start a new round500.

Some non-limiting methods for interacting with digital artifact 100 aredescribed below in obtaining 504, releasing 506, placing 508, locating510, and altering 512. As noted in this specification, digital artifactcan be card 200, creature 302, token 400, or otherwise; therefore, suchmethods can apply, with variation. These methods can be supportedstructurally, by way of non-limiting illustration, by computing device146 and server 140 wherein communication to server 140 can occur at thetime such method is performed. The present invention is not limited toany particular brand or SDK or operating system. One of ordinary skillin the pertinent art would know how to use a SDK that incorporates theelements of the present invention including the methods describedherein.

Obtaining 504 can be performed on digital artifact 100. Digital artifact100 can become associated with participant client device 102 thatobtains 504 given digital artifact 100. In an embodiment, digitalartifact 100 can become disassociated with a prior participant clientthat released 506 the instant digital artifact 100. By obtaining 504digital artifact 100, this can facilitate relocating of digital artifact100. In some preferred embodiments, obtaining 504 can occur within setof locations 174 Obtaining 504 can occur when participant client device102 is within proximity of digital artifact 100. In most preferredembodiments, obtaining 504 occurs only when proximity reach 152 ofparticipant client device 102 includes the location of digital artifact100. Identifier of digital artifact 100, non-predetermined location 104,and action of obtaining 504 can then be sent to server 140. One ofordinary skill in the art would know how to incorporate obtaining 504 inthe present invention, as well as releasing 506, placing 508, andaltering 512. By way of non-limiting illustration, in the Apple iphoneSDK there are libraries and methods for selecting an image, obtaining alocation, and making web service calls. In an embodiment, obtaining 504can occur with respect to title or ownership of digital artifact 100without having possessory movement to relocate digital artifact untillater coming into proximity with digital artifact 100 to obtain 504 inorder to relocate it by subsequently releasing 506. In a possibleembodiment, obtaining can include first location 162 of digital artifact100.

Releasing 506 can be performed on digital artifact 100. Digital artifact100 can become disassociated with movement of participant client device102 having performed releasing 506. In an embodiment, digital artifact100 can be released by participant client device 102 innon-predetermined location 104 or predetermined location 105. In mostpreferred embodiments, releasing 506 can occur in a newnon-predetermined location 104 after obtaining 504 in a prior location.In most preferred embodiments, a subsequent participant 102 canre-release 506 in a new non-predetermined location 104, or at a locationwithin set of locations 174. In most preferred embodiments, participantclient device 102 after having performed releasing 506 cannot movedigital artifact 100 to a new location. In a preferred embodiment,releasing is done by issuing a command on computing device 146. In anembodiment, releasing can include placing 508. In a possible embodiment,releasing can include parameters for non-predetermined location 104(including latitude 158 and longitude 160) and digital artifact 100. Thelatitude 158 and longitude 160 can correspond to second location 164. Byway of non-limiting illustration, release 506 can be performed oncomputing device 146 or mobile device 176, such as Apple iphone asclient 142 (FIG. 19).

// START Load application Initialize LocationManager Set accuracy toBEST Set delegate LocationManager Delegate called   curLocation=returnedposition LocationManager Delegate called   If returned position does notequal curLocation and accuracy   is improved then      curLocation=returned position Call web service methodDropDigitalArtifact(userID, deviceID, curLocation, accuracy) Ifsuccessful return from web service Display message “Artifact DropSuccessful”   Else     Display message “Artifact Drop Failed” // ENDFurther, by way of non-limiting illustration, the following canfacilitate releasing 506 of digital artifact 100 via server 140 (FIG.19).

// START DropDigitalArtifact(curLocation) called Insert intodigitalArtifacts (userID, deviceID, curLocation, accuracy) Returnsuccess/fail // END

Placing 508 can be performed, i.e., to place digital artifact 100 at alocation. Placing 508 can occur in non-predetermined location 104 orpredetermined location 105. The location of digital artifact 100 can bedefined randomly or selectively by game 101. In an embodiment, initialplacing 508 of digital artifact 100 can be done randomly at thebeginning of game 101 or round 500. In an embodiment, placing 508 can bedone randomly or in combination with predetermined location 105 withinset of locations 174. Placing 508 can be performed on digital artifact100 after it is created, obtained, altered, or released.

Locating 510 can be performed, i.e., to locate digital artifact 100.This can include searching with or without assistance of clientapplication 142. Locating 510 can be done with or without proximitydetector 150 or proximity reach 152. Locate 510 can be performed oncomputing device 146, by way of non-limiting illustration, on AppleiPhone to perform locating 510:

// START Load application Initialize CLLocationManager Set accuracy toBEST Set delegate CLLocationManager Delegate called  curLocation=returned position CLLocationManager Delegate called   Ifreturned position does not equal curLocation and accuracy is   improvedthen         curLocation=returned position Call web service methodLocateDigitalArtifact(curLocation, accuracy) Display artifacts returnedfrom web service // ENDFurther, by way of non-limiting illustration, server 140 can allowlocating 510 as follows:

// START LocateDigitalArtifact(curLocation, accuracy) calledproximity=accuracy daProximity=accuracy of digitalArtifact Select * fromdigitalArtifacts where daProximity of artifactLocation in proximity ofcurLocation Return recordset // END

Altering 512 of digital artifact 100 can be performed. In most preferredembodiments, alteration 512 can be creating, editing, adding to,publishing, providing feedback, annotating, nudging, moving, deleting,or updating. Alteration 512 can be performed on any asset or object ingame 101. Alteration can be combining more than one digital artifact100. Combining can occur where one or more digital artifacts 100 areleft in area 300 so that they are concurrently present, or through thecollection of multiple digital artifacts 100 in multiple locations overthe course of the game 101. In a possible embodiment, ten participantclient devices 102 can pass through area 300 and leave digital artifact100 therein, and eleventh participant client device 102 having eleventhcreature 302 can enter area 300. Then, eleventh creature 302 can bealtered 512 by the combination of all of the other ten digital artifacts100 in that area 300. Further, eleventh participant client device 102can leave an eleventh digital artifact 100. In a preferred embodiment,digital artifact 100 can be a digital representation of a form ofgenetic material 304. There can be a “primordial soup” in a given area300 where various digital artifacts 100 are in different physical areas300. In a possible embodiment, if participant client device 102 goes toarea 300, participant client device 102 can pick up digital artifact 100or genetic material 304 and leave another digital artifact 100, plusmingling 303 of all those who were there before. In a possibleembodiment, alteration 512 can be changing location of digital artifact100. The first participant client device 102 to the first location 162can obtain the token, while other participant client devices 102 who getthere later do not get to obtain the token. In most preferredembodiments, participant client device 102 can modify or add toinformation left for the user and associated with the digital artifact;In an embodiment, digital artifact 100 itself. In some preferredembodiments, participant client device 102 having proper permissions mayalso redact or delete such information. In a possible embodiment,modifying can include editing a document and then releasing the documentin a new location.

FIG. 6 illustrates a possible embodiment of the present invention.Digital artifact 100 is shown in FIG. 6 with game 101, participantclient device 102, non-predetermined location 104, proximity detector150, radius 154 applied to proximity detector 150, and proximitylocation 156.

FIG. 7 illustrates a possible embodiment of the present invention.Digital artifact 100 is shown in FIG. 7 with game 101, participantclient device 102, non-predetermined location 104, proximity detector150, proximity reach 152, and radius 154.

FIG. 8 illustrates a possible embodiment of the present invention. Game101 is shown in FIG. 8 with out of bounds areas 130. Game 101 need notbe worldwide, but in some embodiments it is conceivable that releasingand obtaining digital artifacts 100 can occur throughout the world.

FIG. 9 illustrates a possible embodiment of the present invention.Server 140 is shown in FIG. 9 shows with client application 142, withparticipant client device 102, computing device 146, mobile device 176,user profile 178, obtaining 504, releasing 506, placing 508, locating510, and altering 512. In a preferred embodiment, communication occursvia Internet.

FIG. 10 illustrates an interaction scheme of a possible embodiment ofthe present invention. Server 140 is shown in FIG. 10 with client 142including pseudo-code interfaces to conduct actions such as obtaining504, releasing 506, placing 508, locating 510, and altering 512, as wellas such actions involving digital artifact 100, game 101, participantclient device 102, latitude 158, longitude 160, direction 172, tilt 172,and round 500. The present invention is not limited to thisillustration.

FIG. 11 illustrates a proximity aspect of a possible embodiment of thepresent invention. Accuracy assignment 1100 is shown in FIG. 11, withlist of proximate digital artifacts 1102, accuracy assignment zone ofdigital artifact 1104, accuracy assignment zone of searching device1106, gap 1500, digital artifact 100, participant client device 102, andnon-predetermined location 104.

Accuracy assignment 1100 can be in a unit of measurement or stringdescription in any axis. By way of non-limiting illustration, the Appleiphone provides a “horizontal accuracy” in meters. In a possibleembodiment, location 104 or 105 and associated accuracy assignment 1100can be stored in a database on server 140. In a preferred embodiment,digital artifact 100 can have location as well as accuracy assignment1100 from the participant client device 102 that dropped digitalartifact 100. Accuracy assignment 1100 can be assigned to any object ingame 101. Accuracy assignment 1100 can affect the effectiveness ofproximity detector 150 or proximity reach 152. A benefit of accuracyassignment 1100 is in providing dynamic adjustment depending on thequality of the location capabilities of both 1. releasing participantclient device 102 of the digital artifact 100 and 2. searching device102. This can provide a more enjoyable experience, because it generallyreflects the original intent of both the dropper and the searcher.Searching device 102 need not necessarily release 506 the digitalartifact 100. Another benefit of accuracy assignment 1100 is that itlevels the playing field for users of lower-end or older devices 146 or176 that may rely on less accurate methods for determining location andhigher-end or newer devices 146 or 176 that may have sophisticated GPSpositioning capabilities for extremely accurate location determination.Hence, accuracy assignment 1100 can allow old and new devices 146 or 176to participate together by equalizing the technical limitations of theolder devices, whether limited by the device software or hardware. FIG.11 shows a non-overlapping range where participant client device 102 anddigital artifact 100. In such case, it is possible that the device 102does not detect digital artifact 100.

In a preferred embodiment, when a participant client device 102 attemptsto locate 510 proximate digital artifacts 100, a current location 104 or105 as well as accuracy assignment 1100 for participant client device102 can be passed to server 140. This can occur, by way of non-limitingexample, by a web service call. In a preferred embodiment, server 140,participant client device 102, or client application 142 can searchbased on accuracy assignment 1100 of digital artifact 100. Accuracyassignment 1100 of digital artifact 100 can be stored on server 140, aswell as accuracy assignment 1100 of the participant client device 102requesting a list of proximate digital artifacts 1102. In some preferredembodiments, each search can be unique based on the accuracy assignment1100 of both digital artifact 100 and the participant client device 102.By way of non-limiting example, Device P (102) can have an accuracyassignment 1100 of 300 feet. If Device P (102) can release 506 digitalartifact 100 at point x:100, y:100. Device Q (102) has an accuracyassignment 1100 of 30 feet. Device Q (102) can then initiate locating510 digital artifacts 100 at point x:75, y:75. If a standard algorithmis used whereby a set radius helps calculate accuracy assignment zone1200 around Device Q of 10 feet, then digital artifact 100 released byDevice P would be missed because of the lesser accuracy of Device P. Forexample, FIG. 11 shows non-overlapping zones, and FIG. 15 showsproximity gap 1500. However, because the accuracy of both the releaserdevice 102 and the searcher device 102 can be used, Device Q can findthe digital artifact 100 of Device P 102. Radius 154 can be based on theindividual accuracy assignment 1100 of the digital artifact 100 (1104)can be drawn, e.g., formed 2102. Further, radius 154 can be based on theindividual accuracy assignment 1100 of device 102, in this case Device Qhaving zone 1106, can be drawn (e.g., formed 2104) substantially arounddevice 102. The areas intersecting can be considered “proximate.” Apossible embodiment is shown in juxtaposition of proximity zones 1300(FIG. 13). Further, by way of non-limiting illustration, see FIGS. 11-18with reference to some possible embodiments.

List of proximate digital artifacts 1102 (FIG. 18) can have any numberof digital artifacts 100 in proximity with both digital artifacts 100and participant client device 102. List of proximate digital artifacts1102 can be sent from server 140 to participant client device 102 uponrequest by participant client device 102.

Accuracy assignment zone of digital artifact 1104 can be passed inreal-time or stored on server 140 (FIG. 18). Accuracy assignment zone ofdigital artifact 1104 can be a detectable zone beyond the location ofdigital artifact 100. Accuracy assignment zone of digital artifact 1104can be set to a value that can be used to calculate accuracy radius1110, to find the detectable zone. In some preferred embodiments, adetectable zone embodied by accuracy assignment zone 1200 can be formedsubstantially around the digital artifact. The zone around digitalartifact 100 can be based on its accuracy assignment zone 1200, whichcan be calculated from its accuracy radius 1110. Accuracy assignmentzone of digital artifact 1104 can be accuracy assignment zone 1200.

Accuracy assignment zone of searching device 1106 can be passed inreal-time or stored on server 140 (FIG. 18). Accuracy assignment zones1200, 1104, or 1106 or can be searchable zones beyond, extending from,elliptically surrounding, peripheral to, peripherally encircling,squaring a grid, or geometrically expanded beyond a precise point-basedcoordinate location of a searching device, such as participant clientdevice 102. Accuracy assignment zone of searching device 1106 can beaccuracy assignment zone 1200.

Accuracy radius 1110 can be a distance from a location of digitalartifact 100 or participant client device 102. Digital artifact 100 orparticipant client device 102 can have its own accuracy radius 1110,which can be used to calculate accuracy assignment zone 1200, 1104, or1106. In an embodiment, a non-elliptical area can be provided such as asquare that adds or subtracts from a given location (x, y). Accuracyradius 1110 can be radius 154 and its characteristics. FIGS. 15 and 15Bshow accuracy radius 1110 as radius 154 resulting in differingmagnitudes for accuracy assignment zones 1200, also shown as 1104 (inrelation to digital artifact 100) and 1106 (in relation to participantclient device 102).

User-defined location 1114 (FIG. 12) can change a defined location ofparticipant client device 102, or digital asset 100. In situations wherea device 102, 146, or 176 has no accuracy assignment associatedtherewith, allowing a user to define such location can increaseaccuracy. User-defined location 1114 can facilitate designating a moreprecise location. A benefit of user-defined location 1114 is to enhancegame play while decreasing frustration when interacting with digitalartifacts 100. A problem with older devices is that some do not havehigh accuracy with respect to device location, which may result in arange of, for example, 300 feet within a given location. In suchsituations, there can be a wide area in which the device is actuallylocated. Newer devices tend to have higher location accuracy. Generally,more accurate devices may in some cases provide very high accuraciesfrom a given location. User-defined location 1114 can be set withinaccuracy assignment zone 1200. FIG. 12 shows a change from location(x,y,z) to (x_(a),y_(a),z_(a)) for digital artifact 100 within 1104, anddevice 102 at (x_(a),y_(a)) setting user-defined location 1114 to(x_(a2),y_(a2)) within 1106. In some preferred embodiments, user-definedlocation 1114 can be set for the location of participant client device102. In some preferred embodiments, user-defined location 1114 can beset by server 140 with a default value. In an embodiment, user-definedlocation 1114 can be set by participant client device 102, for example,via client application 142 running on participant client device 102.User-defined location 1114 can be set via a user interface on clientapplication 142 which can display accuracy assignment zone 1200 (FIG.12). User-defined location 1114 can be limited to locations withinaccuracy assignment zone 1200. By limiting the possible range ofuser-defined locations, a user in one geographic area cannot set theiruser-defined location 1114 in a remote geographic area. A benefit is toenhance honesty and integrity in locations so that players cannot usurpdigital artifacts 100 by entering false locations. Further, security andencryption measures can be employed in combination, including withoutlimitation the type of device, session identifier, user identifier,software identifier, proprietary hash, timestamp, browser type,operating system, browser user-agent, or any combination thereof.Accuracy assignment-related settings, in most preferred embodiments, canbe done by an administrator setting on server 140. In an embodiment,there can be varying gradations of accuracy with respect to a givendevice or artifact, described by words, letters, numbers, or symbols.Some non-limiting examples can be: good, better, best, fair, poor, bad,high, medium, low, none, or any numeric value, or any combinationthereof. Vertical or horizontal bars, incremental graphic pixels, orother symbolic representations can indicate accuracy. If there is noaccuracy level assigned, a default level of accuracy can be set. Any ofthe gradations of accuracy can have numeric values. A non-limitingexample can provide: “best” can be 5 feet, “good” at 15 feet, and “fair”can be 30 feet.

FIG. 12 illustrates a proximity aspect of a possible embodiment of thepresent invention. As shown in FIG. 12, where participant client device102 has a large accuracy assignment zone 1200, overlapping with accuracyassignment zone 1200 of digital artifact 100 to form juxtaposition ofproximity zones 1300. User-defined location 1114 is also shown in FIG.12 within accuracy assignment zone 1200, which can occur innon-predetermined location 104.

Accuracy assignment zone 1200 can be an area around digital artifact 100or participant client device 102. Accuracy assignment zone 1200 can bein any axis, for example: x, y, z, or any combination thereof. Thecombination of both accuracy assignments for digital artifact 100 andparticipant client device 102 can provide flexibility in game play aswell as device manageability. In FIG. 11, there is no overlap betweenthe accuracy assignments of digital artifact 100 and participant clientdevice 102. As shown by way of non-limiting illustration in FIG. 11, thesearching device, participant client device 102, does not detect digitalartifact 100 since neither digital artifact 100 nor the area 1112 aroundit is within the accuracy assignment zone 1200. It will be understoodthat “accuracy assignment zone 1200” can also be referred to as“detectible area” or “area capable of being detected” with respect todigital artifact 100. Digital artifact 100 can also have a searchingarea. It will be understood that “accuracy assignment zone 1200” canalso be referred to as “area capable of being searched” with respect toparticipant client device 102. Participant client device 102 can alsohave a detectible area. Accuracy assignment zone 1200 can be used toform zones 1104 or 1106.

In a possible embodiment, a low accuracy assignment 1110 can be given toparticipant client device 102 resulting in a large accuracy area 1112for participant client device 102. A high accuracy assignment 1110 canbe assigned to digital artifact 100; digital artifact 100 can thus havea small accuracy area 1112. Digital artifact 100 and participant clientdevice can each have a non-predetermined location 104.

FIG. 13 illustrates a proximity aspect of a possible embodiment of thepresent invention. Juxtaposition of proximity zones 1300 is shown inFIG. 13 with accuracy assignment 1100, accuracy assignment zone ofdigital artifact 1104, accuracy assignment zone of searching device1106, digital artifact 100, participant client device 102, andnon-predetermined location 104.

Juxtaposition of proximity zones 1300 can be an overlap of two or moreaccuracy assignment zones 1100, 1200, 1104, or 1106. Participant clientdevice 102 can be the searching device. A plurality of participantclient devices 102 can have juxtaposition of proximity zones 1300. In anembodiment, participant client device 102 can locate another participantclient device 102 via juxtaposition of proximity zones 1300. Also,therefore, digital artifacts 100 can detect another digital artifact100.

FIG. 14 illustrates a proximity aspect of a possible embodiment of thepresent invention. Juxtaposition of proximity zones 1300 is shown inFIG. 14, with digital artifact 100 and participant client device 102. Toprovide a non-limiting illustration, FIG. 14 demonstrates a benefit ofaccuracy assignment 1100 applied to locating 510. If digital artifact100 and participant client device 102 are at the same respectivelocations shown in FIG. 11, accuracy assignment zone of digital artifact1104 with a small area can still be detected by participant clientdevice 102 having a large assignment area of searching device 1106,producing proximity area 1300. As shown in FIG. 14, in a possibleembodiment, accuracy assignment zone of searching device 1106 can be alarger area than that of digital artifact 1104.

FIG. 15 illustrates a proximity aspect of a possible embodiment of thepresent invention. Proximity gap 1500 can be a short distance betweenaccuracy assignment zones 1100. Note the presence of juxtaposition ofproximity zones 1300 between locations 1 and 2 in FIG. 15 which overlap,whereas between 3 and 4 there is no overlap and thus no juxtaposition ofproximity zones 1300. Therefore, in most preferred embodiments, digitalartifact 100 (FIG. 15 at x₃, y₃) would not be displayed on participantclient device 102 with the smaller accuracy assignment, or with thesmaller accuracy assignment zone of digital artifact 1004. Radius 154can be the value of accuracy assignment 1100, and can be used tocalculate any zone of any accuracy assignment 1100, zone 1200, 1104 or1106.

FIG. 15B illustrates a proximity aspect of a possible embodiment of thepresent invention. A plurality of participant client devices 102 (“n”number of participant client devices 102) can be present. There can befirst participant client device 102 (x, y), second participant clientdevice 102 (x₂, y₂), third participant client device 102 (x₃, y₃), andfourth participant client device 102 (x₄, y₄), without limitation.

FIG. 15C illustrates a proximity aspect of a possible embodiment of thepresent invention. Accuracy assignment zones 1200, whether applied to1104 or 1106, can have varying shapes.

FIG. 16 illustrates a proximity aspect of a possible embodiment of thepresent invention. As shown in FIG. 16, a plurality of participantclient devices 102 with respective accuracy assignments 1110 can beproximate to each other (FIG. 16), and can also be proximate to one ormore digital artifacts 100 (FIG. 15). Further, participant client device102 can be in proximity 1300 with accuracy assignments of digitalartifact 1104 (FIG. 15). In a possible embodiment, a plurality ofdevices 102 can use the same process to locate 510 via accuracyassignment 1100, or more specifically, via accuracy assignments ofsearching devices 1106, respectively.

FIG. 17 illustrates a proximity aspect of a possible embodiment of thepresent invention. A plurality of digital artifacts 100, shown in FIG.17, can be in game 101. Each digital artifact 100 can have a differentor same accuracy assignment 1100. Game 101 can be displayed in a userinterface of participant client device 102.

FIG. 18 illustrates a possible embodiment of the present invention.Locate proximate digital artifacts 1800 is shown in FIG. 18, with pluraldigital artifacts 100 having accuracy assignments 1104 respectively,participant client device 102 with accuracy assignment 1106, clientapplication 142 and server 140. Proximity detector 150 is shown withaccuracy assignment 1110. Locate proximate digital artifacts 1800 can bea web service call to server 140 with the location and accuracyassignment 1100 of participant client device 102. A web service call canget locations of digital artifacts 100 which are proximate 1300 toparticipant client device 102 using both accuracy assignment ofsearching device 1106 in combination with accuracy assignment of digitalartifact 1104. Proximity detector 150 and accuracy assignment ofsearching device 1106 can coincide in shape. Accuracy assignments ofdigital artifacts 1104 can vary and need not be uniform for all digitalartifacts 100. In some preferred embodiments, each digital artifact 100can have its own accuracy assignment 1100 or 1104.

FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate possible embodiments of the presentinvention. Release 506 is shown in FIG. 19 running on client application142 and server 140. Locate 510 is shown in FIG. 20 running on clientapplication 142 and server 140.

FIG. 21 illustrates a method diagram of a preferred embodiment thepresent invention. Assign 2100 can set an accuracy assignment 1100 to anobject, and calculate an accuracy assignment zone 1200 substantiallyaround an object, such as participant client device 102 or digitalartifact 100. There can be multiple assignments 1100 to multiple objects50, including by way of non-limiting illustration: card 200, creature203, genetic material 304, token 400, and primary token 400A which caninherit characteristics from digital artifact 100. Assigning 2100accuracy assignment zone 1200 can be performed on digital artifact 100.Assign 2100 can allow the object 100 or 102 to be discoverable by one ormore participant client devices 102, where digital artifact 100comprises a location 104 or 105, by forming 2102 a detectable zone 1200substantially around digital artifact 100 based on the accuracyassignment zone 1200, or by forming 2104 a searching zone 1200substantially around participant client device 102 with a secondaccuracy assignment zone 1200, and overlapping 2106 the accuracyassignment zone with the second accuracy assignment zone 1200, which canform juxtaposition of zones 1300. Accuracy assignment 1100, as notedherein, can be stored on server 140. Thus, 2100-2106 can be performed onserver 140.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the present invention provides a system and method fornon-predetermined location interaction of digital artifacts.

1. A system comprising: a digital artifact; and an at least onenon-predetermined location which is associated with the digitalartifact.
 2. the system of claim 1, further comprising: an identifierassociated with the digital artifact; and an asset associated with thedigital artifact.
 3. the system of claim 2, further comprising a firstparticipant client device associated with the digital artifact, andwhere a second participant client device subsequently associates withthe digital artifact at a subsequent location.
 4. the system of claim 3,where the digital artifact is set to the at least one non-predeterminedlocation by the first participant client device and associated to thesecond participant client device.
 5. the system of claim 4, furthercomprising a physical location associated with the digital artifact. 6.the system of claim 5, further comprising a proximity reach roughlysurrounding the first participant client device based a radius extendingfrom the non-predetermined location of the first participant clientdevice.
 7. the system of claim 6, where the proximity reach overlapswith the at least one non-predetermined location.
 8. the system of claim7, where a proximity detector is displayed on a computing deviceindicating the digital artifact at the at least one non-predeterminedlocation.
 9. the system of claim 8, where the second participant clientdevice obtains the digital artifact and subsequently releases thedigital artifact in a non-predetermined location.
 10. the system ofclaim 9, further comprising a request to a server, where the requestcomprises the at least one non-predetermined location which establishesa new location of the digital artifact.
 11. the system of claim 10,where the at least one non-predetermined location is within in a set oflocations.
 12. the system of claim 11, where the digital artifactfurther comprises a trading card.
 13. the system of claim 12, furthercomprising: a participant client device which obtains the trading cardwhen the participant client device's location is substantially inproximity with the at least one non-predetermined location.
 14. thesystem of claim 11, further comprising an evolution game where thedigital artifact further comprises an at least one creature.
 15. thesystem of claim 14, where the at least one creature comprises an atleast one attribute, and where the at least one attribute comprises agenetic material.
 16. the system of claim 15, further comprising an areacomprising a first genetic material and a second genetic material. 17.the system of claim 16, where the first genetic material and the secondgenetic material being in proximity randomly generate a third geneticmaterial.
 18. the system of claim 11, where the digital artifactcomprises a token.
 19. the system of claim 18, where the token comprisesan at least one numeric value.
 20. the system of claim 19, where thetoken is obtained by a first participant client device and a secondparticipant client device.
 21. the system of claim 20, where the tokenis released an “n” number of times in an an “n” number ofnon-predetermined locations less than or equal to the “n” number oftimes, resulting in an “n” number of tokens.
 22. the system of claim 21,further comprising a primary token randomly selected from the “n” numberof tokens.